How about sleepy students that ask if they can go to the restroom to splash water on their face?
They miss out on so much learning, don't they?
Well, I have got a solution for you!
Okay. I know that sounds a lot like I'm selling something, but I'm not! I just wanted to share an idea I saw online a few years back. I currently use it in my classroom now and my students love it!
You can prepare the best lesson in the world! Let’s face it, there is still going to be that one student that is going to start dozing off. Maybe it’s because they didn’t get enough sleep the night before. Maybe it’s just because they’ve had a long week and they’re tired. Maybe it’s just because they’re bored. Whatever the case, sometimes they ask to go to the restroom to put water on their face. Sometimes YOU ask them to go put water on their face. This is just so that they can wake up. But when they go to the restroom to do this, they happen to take a while. While they’re doing that, they are missing out on what is occurring in the classroom. This is where “Wake Up Spray” comes in handy!
All I did was buy an empty spray bottle from the dollar store and fill it up with plain water. I adjusted the nozzle and glued it in place so that it sprays a light mist. I didn't want idle hands to twist the nozzle so that it sprays a straight stream into a face. The idea is to wake them up, not to freak them out. 😉
No frills. No fancy oils. Nothing scented. Just plain water.
I labeled the bottle with a permanent marker as "Wake Up Spray" and then introduced it to the class as such. I explained that if they ever need a quick "pick me up" or feel sleepy that they can give themselves a quick spray or two in the face. I also explained they they hold the bottle about a foot away and close their eyes when they do this. Believe it or not, they were very excited about using this. So excited that many wanted to try it right away. I allowed it and used this opportunity to show other students how it should be done. Some even make the "ahhhh" sound as they refresh themselves.
I keep the "Wake Up Spray" on a shelf behind my desk. Students ask for it when they need it. Once in a while, I'll recommend it to a student that keeps placing their head down. However, the option is all theirs.
I hope this idea is useful in your classroom! Thanks for reading and have a wonderful day!!!
